Mars' Matt Fuller (21) slides back safely into first base during a pick-off attempt during the Planets' 4-3, extra-inning loss to Blackhawk Thursday afternoon. Fuller had three hits in the defeat.

ADAMS TWP — It rained on Mars' Senior Recognition Day — in more ways than one for the Planets.

Ray Knallay's RBI triple in the top of the eighth inning scored Marco Borello with the deciding run in Blackhawk's 4-3 baseball victory over Mars.

The Cougars were on the verge of going scoreless in their half of the eighth when Borello singled, bringing Knallay to the plate in the rain. He stroked his fifth triple of the season.

Mars relief pitcher Alex Heavner shouldered the loss. He allowed the base hit to Borello before being pulled for Matt Fuller.

It is Mars' fourth loss in five games as the Planets (10-8) prepare for the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.

“It's not really a concern for us,” said Mars assistant coach Mike Bell, who stood in for head coach Andy Bednar. The latter was serving a one-game suspension after being ejected during Monday's 3-2 loss at Hampton. “We've battled and been in all of those games. We've just had trouble either closing things out or falling just short.”

Mars got the tying run on base in the bottom of the eighth when Fuller began the frame with a single off of Chris Deluca, but the former slid past second base on a steal attempt and was tagged out.

Though pitching in an unfamiliar situation, Deluca impressed his coach in getting the win after retiring five of the six batters he faced.

“That was his first time in that role this season and he did very well,” said Blackhawk coach Bob Amalia. “He's normally a starter for us and is now 3-0 on the year.”

Trailing 3-2 in the top of the sixth, Blackhawk scored the tying run against Heavner, who had taken over on the mound that inning. Borello singled home Hunter Woodward.

Mars led 3-2 after the first inning, which included two errors by both teams.

“We had a couple of walks, couple of errors and just didn't do what we needed to do in the first,” said Amalia, “but (starter) Borello did a nice job of settling things down.”

As did Mars reliever Joe Craska, who took over for starter Shinno Ikeda with two outs in the second inning. Craska worked 3 1/3 scoreless innings while Borello did not allow a run in his final five innings of work.

“It was our plan to use a combination of pitchers today,” said Bell. “Joey looked really good, shut 'em down for three innings.”

Fuller had three singles for the Planets and Gabe Franz added two base hits.

Blackhawk (13-4) will enter the Class 4A playoffs as champion of Section 2.

Blackhawk 200 001 01 — 4 7 3

Mars 300 000 00 — 3 7 3

W: Chris Deluca 2 IP (0K, 0BB). L: Alex Heavner 2.2 IP (2K, 2BB).

Blackhawk (13-4): Zach Zuchelli 1B R, Marco Borello 2-1B R RBI, Ray Knallay 3B R RBI, Jarrett Wright 1B RBI, Hunter Woodward 1B R

Mars (10-8): Matt Fuller 3-1B, Gabe Franz 2-1B R RBI, J.J. Wetherholt 2B

Next: WPIAL playoffs, TBD